Common Types of Tarmac Damage Orpington
When properly installed, tarmac and asphalt surfaces can deliver decades of reliable service; however, minor installation issues—such as inadequate edging in critical areas, diesel spillage, or poor compaction—can result in dips, uneven surfaces, and deterioration of your driveway in Orpington.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Orpington, our tarmac contractors evaluate the underlying cause of the damage. The most frequently encountered problems include:
- Surface cracks resulting from weather exposure or ground settlement
- Potholes formed by water penetration and freeze-thaw action
- Edge breakdown where the tarmac borders grass or gravel areas
- Sunken areas caused by inadequate subbase or excessive weight
- Surface ravelling where the bitumen binding material has broken down
How We Repair The Tarmac / Asphalt
Initial Assessment
Our process begins with a thorough inspection of the damaged area to establish whether a localised patch repair is adequate or whether a more extensive section requires resurfacing. Individual isolated defects typically respond well to patching, while extensive cracking or numerous potholes generally suggest that complete resurfacing represents the most cost-effective long-term approach.
Preparation Work
Thorough preparation forms the foundation of any durable repair. We cut away the damaged section with a disc cutter to establish clean, vertical boundaries. This ensures the repair material integrates properly rather than merely overlaying compromised tarmac. When addressing potholes, we extract all loose material and inspect the underlying subbase. Should the subbase prove defective, we excavate deeper and compact fresh aggregate before applying any tarmac.
Applying the Repair Material
Hot bitumen tarmac is our material of choice for most repairs due to its superior bonding characteristics compared to cold-lay alternatives. The repair area receives a primer coat of bitumen emulsion to promote adhesion between the new material and the existing surface. We then apply the tarmac in successive layers, ensuring thorough compaction of each layer using a vibrating plate or roller, selected according to the repair size.
Finishing and Compaction
The final surface undergoes rolling to achieve a level and finish consistent with the surrounding area. We intentionally overfill the repair slightly, accounting for the material settling under the roller. Special attention is devoted to the edges—adequate compaction in these areas is critical to prevent future separation.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
Should your tarmac exhibit numerous damaged areas or if the surface exceeds 15-20 years of age, repairing individual spots may prove uneconomical. At Driveways Orpington, we provide transparent guidance on whether repairs offer genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the better option.
For expert advice on tarmac repairs in Orpington, reach us at 020 8226 6230.
